Fashion
11 Places To Shop Wide Calf Boots For Fall
Three years ago, I invested in a pair of stretchy, thigh-high, wide calf boots. Every time I break them out — without fail — people are dying to know where I could have possibly found wide calf boots to fit my size 22/24 frame. When you're plus size or simply a bit thicker and live in a cold climate, proper shoes for fall and winter are about more than just fashion. They're about function, too.
And so I set out on a mission to find an array of wide calf boots perfect for autumn. I like to have an answer ready when people ask me where I got my wide calf boots, so I can help give them options from this season's collections. This year, I found that there are more wide-calf choices than there have been in years past, especially when it comes to over-the-knee wide calf boots. I sought out advice from a few of my fave plus size bloggers who have written about this topic extensively as well. Chastity Garner-Valentine of Garnerstyle even shared a video showing how to measure your calves for wide-calf boots.
Although there are arguably more options than ever for individuals with wide-calf boots, some options still do not extend above a size 20-inch calf. Boot bands are one solution that you can buy to extend the width of your shoe. When it comes to looking fly for fall or staying warm for winter, my fellow wide-calf humans, we don't have to get left out in the cold. Here are 11 of the best places to shop 'em.
1. Ted & Muffy
Empress , $600, T ed And Muffy
Formerly known as Duo Boots, Ted & Muffy is a boutique boot company, so you can expect expert craftsmanship on any of its wide calf boots. Its order process allows you to select the shoe size and calf size for a truly custom experience.
2. DSW
Unisa Gillean Wide Calf Over The Knee Boot, $50, DSW
DSW carries a selection of wide calf boots at a range of price points. This pair not only goes over the knee, but features a stretch fabric in the back that makes them easier to slip on and also allows the calf measurement to extend a little further.
3. Avenue
Newport Heeled Tall Boot , $7, Avenue
These boots come in brown, black, and olive but I'm partial to the olive with tan accents for fall. With a two-inch stacked heel and a calf width that fits up to 18 inches, these are just right for a comfortable yet stylish fall look.
4. Jileon
Spotty, $90, Jileon Rainboots
Jileon specializes in extra wide calf rain boots. Although the site says its rain boots (including these adorable spotted ones) fit up to a size 21 inch calf, they comfortably fit 24 to 25-inch calves in my experience.
5. Ashley Stewart
Wide Width Wide Calf Wedge Tall Boots , $54, A shley Stewart
If I have the choice between wedges or heels, I'm going to pick wedges every time. Hence my excitement to find these wedge boots that are not only wide calf but also wide width. The calf measures 20 inches and features additional stretch in the back. All of Ashley Stewart's boots are wide-calf and come in a variety of shades.
6. Payless
Vernon Commuter Boot, $70, Payless
These boots from Payless look moto chic on the outside but are fully lined for winter-ready temperatures. Available in sizes 5 to 13, these boots (and the brand's other extended calf boots) come in three widths. The listing even features an easy to understand diagram to help you figure out what size you need.
7. Smash Shoes
Lexy , $99, Smash Shoes
Smash Shoes is an indie brand that specializes in shoes for women size 10 and up. These over-the-knee boots feature a side zipper and an opening at the back of the knee for flexibility. They stretch comfortably to fit an 18-inch calf.
8. Nordstrom
'Jennings' Knee High Boot , $150, Nordstrom
Although these boots are preppier than my personal taste, I can picture quite a few of my fellow plus size babes finding a lot of cute ways to style them. They are available in black, burgundy, and cognac brown. Each wide calf listing on Nordstrom features a handy how-to measuring guide for its boots.
9. Just Fab
Although the wide calf version of these boots isn't large enough to fit my calves, it does fit up to a 16-inch one. The double gold zipper accent and 4.5-inch heel makes these a sexy must-have.
10. SimplyBe
SimplyBe is the one site where I read reviews saying the calf widths are too large in some cases, which means that the brand has some of the largest fits around. According to its shoe sizing chart, boots are available up to a size 22 to 24-inch depending on the size.
11. Eloquii
Luella Over-The-Knee Boot, $150, Eloquii
When Eloquii first announced that it would now be carrying shoes, my first thought was to check for a wide calf over-the-knee boot. Sure enough, the brand delivered. This wine color is another fall favorite and these even come with five inches of memory foam inside in addition to the 22.5-inch calf fit.
While the wide calf shoe market is still unfortunately lacking, the myriad of brands stepping up their game offer just a nugget of hope for the future.
Images: dswshoelovers /Instagram; Courtesy Brands
